Faucet Assembly with Side-Mounted Sensor for Hands-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free faucet systems require continuous user interaction with a sensor zone to maintain water flow, leading to user frustration and inefficiency in controlling water output, especially for obtaining small amounts of water.
Innovation Solution
A faucet assembly with a solenoid valve and sensor system that allows water flow control through hand movement detection, enabling hands-free operation and automatic shut-off without the need for continuous sensor interaction, using a sensor mounted out of the water flow path and a control box with adjustable timing for precise water management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sensor is used to detect hand presence, then water flow can be activated, but obtaining small amounts of water is difficult since the sensor does not react to small objects like combs or paper towels
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses adjustable sensitivity parameters in the sensor and control circuitry to detect both large objects (hands) and small objects (combs, paper towels). By modifying detection thresholds and sensitivity settings, the system can adapt to detect a wide range of object sizes, enabling versatile water flow activation for different use cases.
2Productivity
If the user holds their hand in front of the faucet until water begins to flow, then water flow is obtained, but the amount of water is in excess of what is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates water flow immediately upon detecting hand presence, before the user needs to hold their hand in front of the faucet. This preliminary activation with immediate response prevents excess water usage by eliminating the delay between hand placement and water flow initiation, allowing users to obtain exactly the amount of water needed without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors hand presence and adjusts water flow accordingly, providing real-time feedback control. When hands are detected, water flow is activated; when hands are removed, water flow is shut off. This feedback mechanism prevents excess water usage by precisely matching water flow to actual user needs.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the sensor is mounted in the path of water flow, then hand detection is possible, but the user's hands must be present in the water flow path for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is mounted on the side of the spigot rather than in the path of water flow, changing the spatial dimension of detection. This side-mounted positioning allows the sensor to detect hand presence from a lateral position, enabling hands-free operation without requiring users to place their hands in the water flow path.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient hands-free operation and precise control over water flow and duration, allowing users to obtain small amounts of water without excess usage and eliminating the need for continuous sensor proximity, enhancing user convenience and water conservation.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve in the pipe for movement between a closed position in the pipe to block a flow of water through the pipe to the faucet and an open position to allow passage of a flow of water to the faucet
Implementation Method 2
a sensor is provided in spaced relation to the path of water flow for sensing movement of an object, such as the waving of a user's hand
Data Source
AI summary
The faucet assembly employs a sensor on the side of the spigot to control the flow of water from the spigot. An initial waving of a user's hand across the sensor causes the spigot to be opened and a subsequent waving of the user's hand across the sensor causes the spigot to be closed.